The Muslim Theological Council of France (CTMF) has announced the official dates for the start and end of the month of Ramadan 1446/2025, as well as that of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of this holy month of fasting. In a press release dated December 17, 2024, the religious body revealed that the scientific information available makes it possible to set these events for spring 2025.
The month of Ramadan 1446/2025 begins on March 1 in France, with Eid al-Fitr scheduled for March 30
According to the CTMF, the conjunction of the new moon, which marks the start of the month of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar, will take place on Friday, February 28, 2025 at 12:45 a.m. GMT (i.e. 1:45 a.m. Paris time). However, the conditions necessary to observe the crescent moon in the sky will be met, according to astronomical calculations, from the same day at 2:43 p.m. GMT (3:43 p.m. Paris time). Thus, the first day of fasting, for Muslims in France and other regions of the world, will be Saturday March 1, 2025.
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The CTMF, which favors the use of astronomical calculations to determine the dates of Ramadan and other months of the Islamic calendar, recalls that the precision of scientific information makes it possible to avoid the uncertainty usually associated with the observation of the crescent moon. The religious body explains that these calculations are now widely recognized and allow for better planning of events related to the holy month.
When is Eid-ul-Fitr 2025 scheduled for?
In addition to the start date of Ramadan, the CTMF also announced the date of Eid al-Fitr, the holiday marking the end of the month of fasting. According to the same calculations, the first day of the month of Shawwal, which immediately follows Ramadan, will take place on Sunday March 30, 2025. Consequently, the last day of fasting will be set for Saturday March 29, 2025.
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The month of Ramadan 1446/2025 should therefore last 29 days, unlike other years where it can extend over 30 days, depending on the appearance of the new moon. Regarding the month of Shawwal, the conjunction of the new moon will take place on Saturday March 29, 2025 at 10:58 a.m. GMT (11:58 a.m. Paris time), and the conditions for observing the crescent moon will be met from Sunday March 30 2025 from 00:12 GMT (01:12 Paris time).
These announcements reassure the millions of Muslims in France and around the world, who are impatiently awaiting this month of fasting and the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. The CTMF emphasizes that these dates, based on scientific observations and rigorous calculations, will allow Muslim communities to better prepare and organize these spiritual and festive moments in tranquility and serenity.
